MUCH DONE, MORE TO DO

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 299, 15 September 1941, Page 8

MUCH DONE, MORE TO DO

Dominion’s War Effort MR. HAMILTON MAKES APPEAL Powers Of War Cabinet “To me it is worth while clearing up what appeared to be a fairly general misunderstanding as to the nature and powers of the War Cabinet,” said Mr. Adam Hamilton, a member of the War Cabinet, in a broadcast address last night. “Many .people refer to the War Cabinet as an advisory body, and talk of the need for giving it full executive powers. The War Cabinet Iras full executive powers now. It is in full control of New Zealand’s war effort, both at home and overseas.

“There must be few who do not realize* and who will not readily acknowledge, that New Zealand is making a full and honourable contribution to the Empire’s war effort,” continued Mr. Hamilton. “That our continued maximum effort is still urgently required is beyond doubt, and must be realized by all. There is no country more vitally concerned in the defeat of Hitler and his philosophy than is New Zealand. Without disregarding the genuine improvement there has been in the.'position’of the Allied cause, recently, I would strike this note. It is only by ceaseless effort and sacrifice—probably to an extent not experienced yet—that the job will be finished victoriously. “While I readily agree with the right of all to criticize at any time, and welcome such criticism, let us for a moment consider New Zealand’s war effort from a rather more positive angle. What has New Zealand done in the war? A mighty lot already. And this is my opportunity to say ‘Thank you’ to all of you who are he.ping, as well as to emphasize the need for still greater realization of the stern task ahead. r r , “The farm and the factory have been charged with the same high pressure as has gone into the creation of the fighting forces, and ,we have seen the same determined, mushroom •‘■rowth. On cur farms we have been growing new things—growing/ more of Hie old things. And so it has been our factories. Old factories turned ever to war work, new factories for war supplies springing up—all in 101 ways making the tools we will use for victory. I want to pay my tribute to the force behind this growth. It is the force of men, women, youths and girls working, realizing the task, and each doing his or her bit. “I repeat that I know there will always be some parts that run more smoothly than others, but let us in the main appreciate that the great bulk of our people are pulling on. the’rope with might and main. And, in saying that, I know you will realize my deep concern, when I say ‘we need still more.’ Straining Every Nerve. “Just think for a moment, even amid all our difficulties, of the wonderfully free life we have enjoyed and the high standard of living that is ours, and compare this with the tyranny and sufferings under Nazi rule,’’'said Mr. Hamilton. “Though we may have grievances of various types against what is being done, I repeat that no one desires to stifle criticism, we must rise above all these and determine that—‘as for me, and my house, we will gladly strain every mlrve to make our war effort 100 per cent, effective.’ Some can fight, some can work, some can give, and all may support in mind and spirit. “At times one is tempted to ask, do our people thoroughly understand and fully appreciate the significance of what we are fighting about?’ Primarily, we tire fighting against aggressive, brute force which threatens, unless checked, to overrun and overthrow all peaceloving ‘live and let live’ people. Behind this aggressive brute force, there is also a philosophy which is very objectionable to us as British people. M hat is it? Nazi philosophy not only holds that force is the only final and decisive power, but it also believes that an) method to obtain this end is justifiable.

“If there is one thing more than any other that has brought the British people and system into favour it is their strict adherence to honour and justice, i(ud their care for the less fortunate. The Nazi would crush out those finer virtues that we treasure among our best heritage. We greatly value such virtues as love, sentiment, sympathy, brotherhood, freedom, truth, merit, justice and. honour. Ou the other hand, the Nazis look ou these feelings as those of a decadent race and emphasizes force, hate, falsehood and deceit as the methods by which their evil ends may be gained. In this struggle between good and evil, we must all take a definite stand. Kock of Christian Truth.

“Further, religion to the Nazis is anathema. To them tiie State is supreme, and Hitler is the highest lieisonage. Human beings for the Nazis have only a physical or material existence or value, whereas we British folk place great worth in the spirit, in personality and in the human soul. The faith of our forefathers, based upon the rock of Christian truth, still holds for most of us its ancient power. Without this inspiration and assurance, our cause would not have the same meaning Was it not this very truth that was witnessed when the two greatest men of our time—Roosevelt and Churchill—somewhere in an Atlantic bay, on a recent Sunday afternoon, joined with the men of the Navy in Christian service and song, singing God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,” and "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war.” Is it not in such scenes as this that the British-speaking people see meaning, and from them take courage imd hope, ludeed, such scenes are the fountain's from which spring the power that gives nerve and resolution for the light. “To my way of thinking," said Air. Hamilton, “we must look upou this war as a challenge to our trusteeship. Through the (flood trnd sacrifice of oui forefathers, we have entered into a great inheritance. We would not be worthv of the name of Briton it we did not sacredly safeguard for succeeding generations to come this wonderfuheritage. It is yours and mine to enjoy. Great privileges carry great responsibilities. We must accept, shouldei, aim faithfully discharge these responsibilities. This obligation Is more sacred than even life itself. "To sum up,” said Mr. Hamilton if ever there was a fight between freedom and slavery, between good and evil, between God and the devil, it is this fight. This thought should arouse every New Zealander, who has long enjojed State, family and religious freedom, to resolve that from him every ounce ot energy and help will be forthcoming, till this evil thing is overthrown. M hat about it? What. about your bit. Can your help be extended just a little more? Your country needs it. Ibe hill is still ahead.”